XL - Eiropas Parlaments - Europa

130 16-02-2011
electronics. In this connection, the Commission notes that the small-car sector can be considered a relevant market for the
purpose of a safeguard investigation.
‘The Commission notes that the designation of outward processing zones in the Korean Peninsula, in accordance with the
provisions of Article 12 of the Protocol on Rules of Origin, would require an international agreement between the parties
to which the European Parliament would have to give its consent. The Commission will keep Parliament fully informed of
the deliberations by the Committee on Outward Processing Zones in the Korean Peninsula.
‘The Commission also notes that if, due to exceptional circumstances, it decides to extend the duration of an investigation
pursuant to Article 4(3) of the Korea Safeguard Regulation, it will ensure that such an extended timing does not go beyond
the expiry date of any provisional measures introduced pursuant to Article 5.
‘Moreover, the Commission and the European Parliament agree on the importance of close cooperation in monitoring the
implementation of the EU-Korea FTA and the Safeguard Regulation.
‘To this end, in case the EP adopts a recommendation to initiate a safeguard investigation, the Commission will carefully
examine whether the conditions under the regulation for ex-officio initiation are fulfilled. In case the Commission
considers that the conditions are not fulfilled, it will present a report to the INTA Committee including an explanation of
all factors relevant to the initiation of such an investigation.
‘Upon request by the INTA Committee, the Commission shall report to the committee on any specific concerns relating to
the implementation by Korea of its commitments on non-tariff measures or on Chapter 13 of the FTA.’ That is the end of
the quotation.
Finally, let me elaborate on two issues which are of interest to you: the Korean CO2 legislation on car emissions, and the
supplementary agreement on the draft Korea-US FTA (KORUS), which was finalised in December 2010.
On 24 January 2011, Korea confirmed that certain changes will be introduced to its previous draft CO2 legislation, which
satisfactorily address a number of concerns expressed by European car makers, while retaining Korea’s ambitious
emission reduction objectives. The changes, which the Commission welcomes, will not alter overall emissions, but will
provide for fairer burden sharing between Korean and EU car makers.
Rest assured that the EU position on the Korea CO2 legislation was closely coordinated at all stages within the
Commission and, in particular, with my colleague Connie Hedegaard and DG CLIMA, to avoid undermining Korea’s
environmental protection efforts.
As for the supplementary agreement to the draft Korea-US FTA reached in December 2010, the Commission has not
identified elements therein that could have a negative impact on the EU. I will, however, contact my Korean counterpart to
ensure that no competitive disadvantage arises in future for the EU automotive sector insofar as non-harmonised
automotive safety standards will not be applied in a more restrictive manner than was the case at the time of the
negotiations.
The Commission will be closely monitoring the implementation of this provision. In particular, the Working Group on
Motor Vehicles and Parts established by the FTA will examine practical aspects of implementation to ensure that market
access problems are addressed in an effective and speedy manner.
To conclude, I wish to emphasise that the EU-Korea FTA will not only provide important benefits for European exporters
to the Korean market, but will also be a clear signal of our determination to pursue new opportunities in key Asian
economies.
We are also addressing the concerns of some stakeholders by means of an efficient and effective safeguard regulation. As
this is subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, both the Council and this House have been able to introduce
mechanisms for responding to perceived risks should they materialise.
With this FTA and the Safeguard Regulation we have an excellent package that I hope you will support tomorrow.
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IN THE CHAIR: EDWARD McMILLAN-SCOTT
Vice-President
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Daniel Caspary, Verfasser der Stellungnahme des mitberatenden Ausschusses für Industrie, Forschung und Energie. −
Herr Präsident, geschätzte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Der internationale Handel und die Exporte sind eine wichtige
Quelle für Wachstum und Beschäftigung in Europa. Das Freihandelsabkommen, über das wir heute diskutieren, stärkt die